In the spring of 2014, the life of 21-year-old Pierre Johnson of Portsmouth, Virginia, was violently cut short in a quiet Chesapeake neighborhood. On an afternoon in late April, the sound of multiple gunshots shattered the peace on Paramont Avenue, drawing residents from their homes and prompting calls to the police. When officers arrived around 3 p.m., they discovered Johnson in the road, suffering from a gunshot wound.
One witness described the shocking scene of coming around the corner to see a man lying in the street.
The investigation that followed revealed a grim and brutal story. According to a search warrant affidavit, Johnson had been subjected to torture before his death. He was duct-taped to a chair, beaten, and burned with a hot iron before being fatally shot. This horrific act was reportedly carried out at the behest of a gang member.
Police quickly identified a suspect, and following a foot pursuit, 22-year-old Devontae McKiver was taken into custody. McKiver was subsequently charged with first-degree murder in connection with Johnson's death. As the case proceeded through the legal system, McKiver was convicted of the charges against him. In December 2015, he was sentenced to 68 years in prison for his role in the brutal slaying. It was stated that McKiver will be 91 years old upon his release.
